The Bligh Government has announced a Solar Hot Water Rebate of $1000 for pensioners and $600 for everyone else to help install solar hot water system and save 1/4 on their electricity bills.
That's on top of the $2300 of rebates already available to make the switch to solar.

Steve Wettenhall, Member for Barron River, said Premier Bligh had set a target to double the solar in energy produced in Queensland in 5 years by 2015 - and will pay Queenslanders to help them get there.

"Queensland shines with the sun's free energy and Bligh Government is committed to helping Queenslanders harness that free energy source to lower their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

"It will mean nearly doubling what we generate now from solar power in five years. 180,000 people across the State have already installed a solar hot water system.

Many Barron River residents are already embracing solar power to cut their electricity bills. 

Barron River residents are getting paid for electricity they feed back into the grid with the Solar Bonus Scheme.

264 people in Barron River have installed electricity generating solar panels installed and getting connected to the Solar Bonus Scheme in the area.

The Solar Schools Program is installing solar panels into every Queensland State School.

Local Schools Freshwater, Machans Beach, Redlynch, Yorkeys Knob, Caravonica, and Smithfield State Schools have already done the bright thing by having solar panels installed as part of the Bligh Government Solar Schools Program and others are joining every week.

Other Barron River residents are saving money through the Climate Smart Homes Service.

2,334 Barron River residents have had the Bligh Governments Climate Smart Homes service - allowing them to save up to $250 on their electricity bills by installing efficient light bulbs and a smart meter.

The Bligh Government wants to roll out a whole lot more solar.

"I encourage everyone to jump on the website, www.qld.gov.au or call 13 438 76527 to and find out about what Queensland is doing to tap into the sun's energy - and how you can be a part of it.